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At Workplace, we are dedicated to making the world a little smoother, kinder, and more efficient every day.
Our commitment to inclusivity, diversity, and empowering others aligns perfectly with our support for the Real Living Wage. In this blog post, we'll break down the recent announcement of the Real Living Wage increase and how it impacts low-paid workers. We'll also explore the differences between the Real Living Wage and the National Living Wage and discuss why this matters to us as a commercial cleaning company.
Real Living Wage on the Rise
The recent announcement revealed a significant increase in the Real Living Wage. The new rates are set at £12 in the UK and £13.15 in London, and Workplace is thrilled to have the opportunity to implement them within the next six months, by May 1st. This increase is a crucial step towards addressing the cost of living crisis that hits low-paid workers the hardest.
A Helping Hand for Over 460,000 Workers
Over 460,000 workers will see a pay boost thanks to 14,000 employers, including Workplace, who are committed to offering the new Real Living Wage rates as part of our tendering process. These new rates mean that workers can earn over £3,000 more per year in the UK than the minimum wage and over £5,000 more in London. It's a substantial improvement in the quality of life for these workers and a reflection of our commitment to a fair wage.
Real Living Wage vs. National Living Wage
It's important to distinguish between the Real Living Wage and the National Living Wage set by the government. The Real Living Wage is independently calculated based on the rising living costs and applies to everyone over 18. In contrast, the government's National Living Wage for over 23s is currently £10.42, which falls short of meeting the actual costs of living.
For example, a full-time worker earning the new Real Living Wage would earn £3,081 more per year than a worker earning the current government minimum wage, and in London, that figure rises to an additional £5,323.50 per year. This difference is substantial and highlights the significance of the Real Living Wage.
Addressing Low Pay and the Cost of Living Crisis
Low pay affects a significant portion of the workforce, with 3.5 million jobs in the UK paid less than the Real Living Wage. According to projections, this number is expected to increase to 4.3 million jobs by 2023. The cost of living crisis persists, with 50% of low-paid workers worse off than a year ago, and 43% regularly using food banks. It's a stark reminder of the importance of fair wages in our society.
Workplace's Commitment to the Real Living Wage
At Workplace, we wholeheartedly welcome the announcement of the new Real Living Wage. We are committed to working with our clients and partners to ensure that we provide a fair day's pay for a fair day's work for our colleagues. We understand that empowering our employees and supporting the Real Living Wage is not only the right thing to do but also an essential step towards a more inclusive and equitable society.
In conclusion, the Real Living Wage is not just a number; it represents our commitment to making the world a better place, one fair wage at a time. We stand by our values of inclusivity, diversity, and continuous improvement, and the Real Living Wage aligns perfectly with these principles. Let's continue to support one another through life's transitions, break taboos, and make workplaces more inclusive and supportive for all, especially those affected by low pay. Together, we can create a kinder and more efficient world.